Apparatus with Interchangeable Panels for Varying Acoustic and Esthetic Treatments or Effects

ABSTRACT

The present invention is an apparatus with detachable, interchangeable panels for varying acoustic and esthetic treatments or effects. Detachable, interchangeable panels are readily attached to and detached from a frame. By exchanging, combining, or removing panels, the absorptive character of the apparatus is altered. Selecting panel sets with more or less perforated surface area results in more absorptive or more reflective behavior, respectively. As such, the apparatus is easily altered to achieve specific gradations of absorption or diffusion. The unobtrusive structural components of the apparatus allow designs to be perforated directly into the panels without obstructions. Accordingly, the apparatus allows both visual and/or acoustic customization, and even exchange between the two. As a non-limiting example, the visual appearance of the panels is imprinted into the sonic character of the space, by the unique arrangements of perforations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to apparatuses, devices, and systems for varying acoustic and/or esthetic treatments or effects. More specifically, the present invention is an apparatus with detachable, interchangeable panels for varying acoustic and esthetic treatments or effects.

Description of the Related Art

Apparatuses, devices, and systems for varying acoustic and/or esthetic treatments or effects are known in the art.

Some existing treatments:

https://www.rpgacoustic.com/bad-panel/

Perforated acoustic treatments consist of an absorptive material covered by a perforated face plate. RPG's website describes their function well:

Problem:

Traditional foam and fabric wrapped absorptive panels offer a cost effective, low profile approach to providing reflection and reverberation control. However, these panels offer too much high frequency absorption and large area application may lead to an acoustically “dead” space.

Solution:

RPG developed a decorative and innovative variable impedance panel by fabric wrapping an optimal binary template consisting of reflective areas and holes over a semi rigid fiberglass panel. As with all its products, RPG offers complete, quality assured custom panel fabrication that provides a simple and reliable fixed or removable mounting*.

*This mounting refers to the wall—not the face plate to the frame. Now, RPG panels and similar products have become the “traditional” panels. The design of the present invention improves upon them and updates them for a modern context.

Problems:

1. Traditional absorbers are limited in the range of creative acoustic and aesthetic possibilities that they offer. RPG's description acknowledges the subjectivity involved in acoustic control: certain panel configurations may cause a space to sound “dead.” Their panels use scientific precision to permanently achieve a “neutral” sounding space—neither too dead (too much absorption) nor too live (too many reflections). This is hardly at all in keeping with how musicians actually approach the creation of music in a studio. Recording engineers choose mics specifically for their lack of neutrality. The unique sonic footprint of each mic is used to creatively enhance the sound of the performance it captures. Designing one “neutral” microphone then using it to capture each and every performance is outrageous. While this approach might occasionally be necessary for critical listening in a control room, this occasional need should not completely exclude other possibilities. In a live room, this approach is even less sensible. Amps, drums, strings, mics, and musicians are moved, swapped, turned upside down, put in the hallway and more in the pursuit of the right sound. Why should absorbers just hang on the wall as fixed (or at best, binary) constants? In the modern studio, the control room often is the live room, or must become the live room very quickly. 2. They are expensive and inconvenient. These treatments are large and they are made of large, fixed components. They are occasionally variable, rarely modular, never both.

Solution:

The present invention solves all of these problems. By magnetizing the frame and separating it from the faceplate, and by decoupling the faceplate from the absorptive component, the apparatus or system becomes modular. Now it is easily broken down and stored. It is easily converted from a combined “diffsorber” to a traditional absorber. And it allows individual sections of the faceplate (panels) to be interchanged very easily. This means the acoustic character can now be varied infinitely as panels with different perforation patterns can be quickly and easily interchanged. This also allows for infinite aesthetic expressions, as the perforation patterns can be laser-cut to unique patterns. Additionally, since the present invention insures that no perforations are obstructed, the option exists to install an LED light inside the treatment and have it illuminate the design from the inside out.

What the panel(s) of the present invention achieves is conceptually revolutionary. It changes the acoustic treatment from a constant (or binary) to a variable just like the other creative components mentioned in a studio (mics, preamps, instruments). It also represents new acoustic and aesthetic possibilities. While some acoustic treatments offer modular construction, they do not offer variable acoustic possibilities between absorption and diffusion. Even non-modular systems that are variable do not offer the infinite range of acoustic possibilities that can be achieved by purchasing new, interchangeable panel sets, as in the design of the present invention. Acoustic systems that are variable, are not modular.

All of this is achieved, however, with simple but clever and careful design elements in a non-limiting embodiment:

The faceplate is broken into multiple components with laser-cut perforations that can depict unique designs. The faceplate is decoupled from the absorptive material and instead attached to:

-   -   A bipartite, magnetized frame consists of an inner ledge to         support the panels and an outer ledge with embedded magnets to         secure the panels in place.     -   Very thin metal struts are affixed to the outside edge of each         faceplate, so that the profile alone faces forwards. Unlike         prior art, this allows perforations up to within 1/32″ of the         edge of the treatment.     -   The inside edge of the panels join with the tongue-in-groove         style, allowing perforations to continue straight across the         seamlines of the panels. There is no structural framing or other         structural components inside the system. This ensures that none         of the perforations are obstructed, which means no visual         disruptions (you can't see framing, magnets, or metal, through         the holes) and a light could be installed inside the absorber         and illuminate the entire design (light is not blocked by a         central strut of the frame, or magnet or metal). Each perforated         hole performs as intended without blocking sound or light.

The changes are “simple.” But they represent clever, unobvious solutions, inspired by disparate disciplines to achieve something totally unique in acoustics.

The present invention overcomes one or more of the shortcomings of known apparatuses, devices, and systems for varying acoustic and/or esthetic treatments or effects. The Applicant is unaware of inventions or patent documents, taken either singly or in combination, which are seen to describe the present invention as claimed.

An advantage of the present invention is that it allows for interchangeability of the apparatus to achieve varying acoustic and esthetic treatments or effects relatively quickly.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it allows for interchangeability of the apparatus to achieve varying acoustic and esthetic treatments or effects without the need for tools.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is an apparatus with detachable, interchangeable panels for varying acoustic and esthetic treatments or effects. Detachable, interchangeable panels are readily attached to and detached from a frame. By exchanging, combining, or removing panels, the absorptive character of the apparatus is altered. Selecting panel sets with more or less perforated surface area results in more absorptive or more reflective behavior, respectively. As such, the apparatus is easily altered to achieve specific gradations of absorption or diffusion. The unobtrusive structural components of the apparatus allow designs to be perforated directly into the panels without obstructions. Accordingly, the apparatus allows both visual and/or acoustic customization, and even exchange between the two. As a non-limiting example, the visual appearance of the panels is imprinted into the sonic character of the space, by the unique arrangements of perforations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus with detachable, interchangeable panels for varying acoustic and esthetic treatments or effects according to the present invention, wherein a plurality of panels are secured to a frame;

FIG. 2 is an environmental, perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 , wherein the panels are removed from the frame;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the frame of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the assembly of the frame of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ,

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the panels of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the assembly of the panels of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7 is an environmental, perspective view of another embodiment of an apparatus with detachable, interchangeable panels for varying acoustic and esthetic treatments or effects according to the present invention, wherein a plurality of panels are secured to a frame;

FIG. 8 is an environmental, perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 7 , wherein the panels are removed from the frame;

FIG. 9 is an exploded, perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of an apparatus with detachable, interchangeable panels for varying acoustic and esthetic treatments or effects according to the present invention, wherein a plurality of panels are secured to a frame; and

FIG. 11 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 10 .

It should be understood that the above-attached figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-11 , the present invention is an apparatus 100,200, 300 with detachable, interchangeable panels 150,250,300 for varying acoustic and esthetic treatments or effects. Detachable, interchangeable panels 150,250, 350 are readily attached to and detached from a frame 110,210,310. By exchanging, combining, or removing panels 150,250,350, the absorptive character of the apparatus 100,200,300 is altered. Selecting panel sets with more or less perforated surface area results in more absorptive or more reflective behavior, respectively. As such, the apparatus 100,200,300 is easily altered to achieve specific gradations of absorption or diffusion. The unobtrusive structural components of the apparatus 100,200,300 allow designs to be perforated directly into the panels 150,250,350 without obstructions. Accordingly, the apparatus 100,200,300 allows both visual and/or acoustic customization, and even exchange between the two. As a non-limiting example, the visual appearance of the panels 150,250,350 is imprinted into the sonic character of the space, by the unique arrangements of perforations 152,252,352.

In one embodiment (a magnetized embodiment), the apparatus 100 preferably comprises a frame 110, at least one perforated panel 150 (preferably, a plurality of detachable, interchangeable perforated panels), and at least one securing element 180 (preferably, at least one magnet 180). A plurality of detachable, interchangeable perforated panels 150 allow the apparatus 100 to be modular.

As a non-limiting example and as shown in FIGS. 1-4 , the frame 110 is dimensioned and configured for supporting the panels 150. The frame 110 comprises at least one side (preferably, a left side 112, a right side 114, a top side 116, and a bottom side 118). The frame 110 may further comprise holes or apertures 120 drilled from from the back of at least one of the sides 112,114,116, 118 of the frame 110 toward the front of the at least one of the sides 112,114, 116,118 of the frame 110 (but not through the front of the at least one of the sides 112,114,116,118 of the frame 110). The holes 120 are dimensioned and configured for receiving the at least one magnet 180. Alternatively, the frame 110 may be magnetized by another method, where the at least one magnet 180 is not required. The frame 110 may further comprise a foam material to be included, which is preferred when maximum absorbance is desired.

The frame 110 may be made or manufactured of various materials, such as, but not limited to, wood, metal, plastic, rubber, ceramic, and any combination thereof. As a non-limiting example, the frame 110 may be readily constructed from typical hardwoods and plywoods. As a non-limiting example, the frame 110 could be made from a metal that allows the magnets 180 to be installed into the panels 150 or possibly just placed onto the frame 110 in a configuration that allows them to remain concealed while still securing the panels 150. For instance, magnets 180 could be placed on the back side of the front face of a hollow metal frame. As a non-limiting example, holes may be drilled into, but not through, the outer or inner ledge of the frame 110 so that magnets 180 may be installed into the frame 110. As a non-limiting example, when the holes are drilled into the outer ledge of the frame 110, thin sheet metal strips are adhered to the outside edge of the panels 150. As a non-limiting example, when the holes are drilled into the inner ledge of the frame 110, thin sheet metal strips are adhered flat on the back of the panels 150. This corresponds best with a design that includes cloth backing on the panels 150, to conceal the metal strips. Holes are preferably drilled from the back such that they are concealed from the front. As a non-limiting example, to minimize air gaps between the panels 150, the frame 110 could be constructed such that it may be tightened to press the panels 150 together. The frame 110 can be built with non-permanent joints at the corners, such that it can be easily disassembled and conveniently stored or shipped.

The plurality of detachable, interchangeable perforated panels 150 help the apparatus 100 to change a room from and/or to a recording studio, a living room, and other acoustic and/or esthetic types of rooms. Preferably, the plurality of detachable, interchangeable perforated panels 150 have different acoustics characteristics/effects (being an absorber, a diffuser, etc.) and/or different artistic characteristics/effects. FIGS. 1, 5 and 6 show non-limiting examples of the plurality of detachable, interchangeable perforated panels 150. At least one perforated panel 150 is magnetized via the inclusion of at least one magnet or via any of the magnetized method(s) described below or in this application or known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Each of the at least one perforated panel 150 and frame 110 being magnetized allow this embodiment to work effectively in quickly changing a room or a space to various acoustic and/or esthetic types of rooms.

As non-limiting examples, each panel 150 of the plurality of interchangeable perforated panels 150 may include at least one perforation, hole or aperture 152 (preferably a plurality of perforations, holes or apertures 152) in the shape of various designs by a laser, drill, CNC machine, 3D printer, or other fabrication process. The panels 150 may be made or manufactured of various materials, such as, but not limited to, wood, plastic, acrylic, machined sheet metals, and any combination thereof. If made from sheet metal, the need to attach thin metal strips is eliminated. The panels 150 may be made or manufactured from layers adhered together to achieve different thicknesses. The panels 150 may be connected at center with tongue and groove method, which allows the design to continue directly over seams between adjacent panels 150 without any obstruction from internal framing or structures. Alternative possibilities for securing the center of the panels 150 include a biscuit joint, where the biscuit disc is perforated such that the holes align with the holes in the panels 150 it connects. The biscuit is preferably made of a material, such as, but not limited to, wood, acrylic, etc., that is easily cut by a laser, drill, or CNC machine. The biscuit may be manufactured with a 3D printer.

As another option, a central strut may be installed into the center of the frame 110 and magnetized in the same fashion as the outer frame. Then the center of the panels 150 must have strips of thin sheet metal adhered to them 150 such that they will be secured to the central strut. This configuration is not preferable for embodiments including internal lights, as it blocks any perforations 152 that fall on the central strut. Metal strip(s) may be adhered (by adhesives, such as glue or any other adhesive known to one of ordinary skill in the art), welded, temporarily secured, or permanently secured to the outside edge to achieve magnetic connection to the frame 110. The metal strip may be made from any thin sheet metal that is convenient to cut with common tools such as metal shears, or power tools like a table saw or miter saw. For example, sheets of galvanized steel available at most hardware stores. The panels 150 may be designed so that part of the panel 150 extends beyond the outside edge of the frame 110. This allows installation of cove lighting. It also opens the possibility of configuring multiple units beside each other while concealing the frame 110. The panels 150 are supported by some contact with the inner ledge and outer component of the frame 110, and they are secured by the magnets 180 embedded into the frame 110.

At least one panel 150 may optionally include a cloth backing.

Optionally, certain edges of the panels 150 may be treated with a sealing material, such as, but not limited to, foam, cork, or other flexible substance. This would minimize air gaps between adjacent panels 150.

Preferably, the at least one securing element 180 is at least one magnet 180 dimensioned and configured to allow the apparatus 100 to effectively perform as desired. Preferably, the at least one securing element 180 is always hidden or concealed so that the frame 110 is artistically pleasing and no acoustic effects result from the at least one securing element 180. Other possible alternatives of the at least one securing element 180 are hooks, hook and loop devices, Velcro, etc. Neodymium disc magnets are preferred for their ratio of size to strength, but other magnet configurations are plausible such as bar magnets, or rod magnets. These would require cavities to be drilled into the frame 110 according to the shape(s) of the magnet(s) 180.

Absorption:

With all of the perforated panels 150 removed, the internal absorptive material, if present, is exposed completely. This represents the configuration of the unit for maximum absorption. The internal absorptive element may be, but not limited to, cotton, wool, semi-rigid insulation, fiberglass insulation typically used in construction, hemp, soil, a liquid contained in some vessel like a bag, or any other wide variety of possible substances including recycled paper materials, Styrofoam, other synthetic materials. The internal absorptive material may be wrapped with fabric, cloth or a range of other thin, flexible materials including plastics, and other synthetic fabrics. Optionally, there may be no internal absorptive material at all to adjust the resonant properties of the apparatus 100. Potentially, it could be configured to operate in the manner of a Helmholtz resonator.

Gradations of Diffusion:

As a non-limiting example or embodiment, the panel set 150 is a group of panels 150 with a specific perforated design and, accordingly a specific sonic footprint. Each panel set 150 will have a unique percentage of its surface area perforated. Since the panels 150 may be relatively small, they can be easily stored. This allows users to own multiple panel sets 150. A service allowing users to trade-in or exchange panel sets 150 is also conceivable since the size of the panels 150 may permit affordable and convenient shipping. This plurality of panel sets 150 enable users to achieve specific gradations of absorption and diffusion, as opposed to the binary choice between maximum possible absorption and diffusion offered by existing variable treatments.

For example, one user could own five panel sets 150. These would feature different perforated designs which remove sequentially more of the total surface area of the panels 150. For instance, the first panel set might have perforations covering 10% of its total surface area. The second, 20%, and so on up to the fifth set with 50% of its surface covered by perforations 152. The user can quickly switch between panel sets 150 to display new designs and achieve unique diffusion effects. Removing all the panels 150 results in maximum absorption. The panel sets 150 can also be creatively combined to achieve further unique results.

Imprinting of Design:

Perforations 152 can be arranged in standard patterns such as grids in order to achieve predictable results. Perforations 152 can also be cut into artistic patterns and designs by a laser, drill, or CNC machine. Since the designs are embedded into the panel structure as perforations, the specific arrangement and therefore acoustic performance of these perforations is determined by the shape of the design. As a result, the sonic character of the design is “imprinted” onto recordings captured in the space that the apparatus is used to treat. This opens new possibilities for creativity and inspiration. Visual art can influence and enter a dialogue with the recorded audio. For example, a band recording a song whose theme is social or racial justice could select a panel set in the silhouette of a hero such as Martin Luther King, Jr. The perforations 152 on the panels 150 would be arranged in the shape of his silhouette and this would be visible to the musicians in the room. This could inspire their performance and it will physically imprint the diffusive character that results from this arrangement of perforations 152 onto the recording.

Current variable acoustic treatments typically offer binary options for functionality: a reflective side or an absorptive side. They offer singular options for appearance. Since the components are usually fixed—by hinges or other fasteners—there is no possibility to substitute the reflecting surface. The design of the present invention breaks the surface of the diffusor into panels that can be quickly and easily attached to the face of the absorber, replaced, or stored. This introduces a world of new acoustic and artistic possibilities. Acoustic manufacturers acknowledge that the industry is shifting towards “e-studios.” These smaller spaces often must serve as multipurpose rooms. Recording, critical listening, and simply living all take place here. Traditional acoustic treatments do not adequately account for this. By breaking the face of the diffusor into magnetically attached panels, the option to alternate between different designs means that recordists can quickly and easily adapt both the appearance and acoustic character of their treatment, depending on which functionality is required. The design maintains the seamless appearance of the absorber. This is achieved by drilling holes into the inner frame and installing neodymium magnets inside the wood. The cloth wrap conceals the magnets, which lay flush to the surface. The metal strips on the panels adhere to these magnets and hold the panels in place. Breaking the face of the diffusor into interchangeable magnetic panels introduces a whole new system for variable acoustic treatment. This opens the possibility for more artistic expression. Instead of arranging the perforations on the panels in the usual grid patterns, the perforations on these panels are arranged into artistic patterns. If a more transparent profile is required for critical listening, it is always possible to switch back to a “default” and “neutral” panel set.

Background:

The Magnetized Frame, Variable Panel Room Acoustic System separates the perforated face of an acoustic treatment from the rear, absorptive enclosure. Further, it separates the perforated face into panels to allow convenient interchangeability, portability, and storage. By embedding the magnets into the frame, this is achieved without compromising appearance. Severing the bond between the perforated face of an acoustic treatment and its body, opens new conceptual possibilities. In comparison, traditional acoustic treatments are like photos, glued permanently into their frames. Enabling interchangeability converts acoustic treatment configuration into a new acoustic and artistic variable that can be adapted continuously, conveniently, and creatively.

Functionality:

The frame is “magnetized” by drilling cavities into its perimeter and installing powerful magnets with adhesive. The panels are similarly “magnetized” by fastening a thin piece of sheet metal to their edge. When this metal strut is within a proximity to the magnetized frame, the panel is secured to the frame and supported by its construction. As such, panels can be attached and removed without the use of permanent fasteners, or temporary fasteners that might damage the surfaces.

Variations:

This configuration can be applied in several ways to achieve the desired outcome. One possibility involves installing an LED light source to the inside of the frame, that will shine out through the perforations in the panels. In this case, maximizing the clearance of the perforations is crucial.

Magnet Installation:

Deep cavities for the magnets can be drilled from the back of the frame, so that the magnets are concealed entirely from the front, visible portion of the frame. Shallow cavities can be drilled from the front, or side or the frame. In this case, cloth can be wrapped around the frame to conceal them, or they can be left exposed. Finally, if the frame will be wrapped in cloth, it is possible to use magnetic tape or a similar product on the surface of the frame.

Inner Edge Connection:

The outer edges are held flush to the frame by the magnets. The inner edges must also be held flush to each other. An additional strut can be added to the center of the frame, with magnets embedded. In this case, an additional metal strut is added to the inside edge of the panel, so that it is secured to the central strut of the frame. Alternatively, the inner edges may be secured by a tongue and groove join. In this case, one panel tucks into the adjacent panel and the inner edges are aligned without altering the design of the frame.

Metal Strut to Panel Connection:

With thicker panels, the thin metal strut can be adhered into a groove cut into the outside edge of the panels. For thinner panels, the metal strut can be adhered directly to the back of the panel. Alternatively, a layer of cloth may be adhered to the back of each panel. The metal struts would be sewn into this layer of cloth.

Lighting Options:

It is possible to add lighting to the device. In one configuration, LED lights are installed inside the frame so that the light shines out through the perforated panels. In this case, the fewest possible perforations should be blocked. Therefore, the tongue and groove join for the inner edges is preferred to the central strut, and the thin metal struts should be adhered to the outside edge of the perforated panels. In another configuration, LED lights are installed around the outside perimeter of the frame and the panels overhang its perimeter, creating a cove lighting effect. In this instance, either method for securing the inner edges of the panels is acceptable. The thin metal struts should be sewn into a layer of cloth that is adhered to the back of the panels. In either case, the LED lights should be recessed into the frame, so that the panels may be removed entirely without undermining the appearance.

Options for Storage:

When the panels are removed entirely, the device functions as an acoustic absorber. While not in use, the panels may be stored or embedded into a separate acoustic device that supports the panels in an arrangement that resembles a QRD diffusor. Otherwise, they might be displayed as artwork.

In another embodiment (a non-magnetized embodiment), the apparatus 200 preferably comprises a frame 210 (preferably similar to frame 110), at least one perforated panel 250 (preferably a plurality of interchangeable perforated panels, and preferably similar to at least one perforated panel 150), and at least one securing element 280 (not a magnet). In this non-magnetized embodiment, a magnet is not present and the frame 210 and at least one perforated panel 250 do not need to include a magnet or be magnetized. The at least one securing element 280 of this embodiment 200 may be at least one clip, at least one groove (provided in the frame 210), at least one hook and loop fastener, any temporary retaining or securing member, mechanism, or technology known to one of ordinary skill in the art, and any combination thereof. A plurality of perforated panels 250 of this embodiment also allows the apparatus 200 to be modular.

As a non-limiting example of the frame 310 in a non-magnetized embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 10-11 , a frame 310 could be built such that the top 330 acts as a removable lid. Thin grooves could be cut into the inside faces of the left and right sides of the frame 310 and used as tracks for the panels 350. The tracks would be cut close to the front edges, such that the panels 350 are secured near the front of the frame 310. To install panels 350, the frame lid 330 is removed and the panels 350 that make up the lowest level of the frame 310 are aligned with the tracks and slid into position. This process is repeated until the top row of panels 350 is secured. The lid 330 is then replaced and secured.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or as shown in the attached figures, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the spirit of the invention. 

1. An apparatus for varying acoustic and esthetic treatments or effects, said apparatus comprising: a frame; at least one detachable, perforated panel comprising a plurality of perforations; and at least one securing element for detachably securing said panel to said frame, wherein said apparatus is capable of achieving a plurality of specific gradations of absorption or diffusion.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said frame and said panel are detachably secured to one another via magnetization.
 3. An apparatus for varying acoustic and esthetic treatments or effects, said apparatus comprising: a frame; a plurality of detachable, interchangeable perforated panels; and at least one securing element for detachably securing said panels to said frame, wherein said apparatus is capable of achieving a plurality of specific gradations of absorption or diffusion.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said frame and said panel are detachably secured to one another via magnetization. 